Know The Word Study Bible KJV, with a giveaway

Bible description:

The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study. The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features Include:
King James Version Bible text
Three easy approaches to study the Bible (book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic)
Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
Words of Jesus in red
Beautiful two-color interior page design
Comprehensive list of theological notes
Concordance
Full-color maps 

My review:

  I grew up on the King James Version, and we still use it at my church exclusively, except on the rare occasion my pastor uses the NKJV. I personally rarely use it, but this Bible intrigued me. I went ahead and requested it, and am glad I did.

 I like a Bible with study notes on the verses, and this Bible has some great notes on the verses. As with other Bibles, there are not notes on every single verse, but they cover a lot of the verses throughout the Bible.

 This Bible also has book-by-book notes. At the beginning of each book are notes on how to study that book, with study the book highlights. I also found these well done and useful.

 Scattered throughout the Bible are highlighted verses or topics with an area for more insight.

 I found this to be a useful Study Bible to use while reading and studying the Bible, and I feel it is very well done.

 This Bible was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

 The Know The Word Study Bible is available from Thomas Nelson Publishing.



Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for the review copy. Diving deeper into God's Word can be easy and rewarding if you break it down book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic with the new KJV Know The Word Study Bible by Thomas Nelson. The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God's Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

This fall, become a regular student of the Bible and enter to win the Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of the KJV Know The Word Study Bible
• A Kindle Fire 7
• A Kindle Fire case (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 31. The winner will be announced November 1 on the Litfuse blog.

Where We Belong by Lynn Austin

Book description:

The Adventure of a Lifetime for Two Indomitable Socialite Sisters 

In the city of Chicago in 1892, the rules for Victorian women are strict, their roles limited. But sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes are not typical Victorian ladies. Their love of adventure and their desire to use their God-given talents has brought them to the Sinai Desert--and into a sandstorm.

Accompanied by Soren Petersen, their somber young butler, and Kate Rafferty, a street urchin who is learning to be their ladies' maid, the two women are on a quest to find an important biblical manuscript. As the journey becomes more dangerous and uncertain, the four travelers sift through memories of their past, recalling the events that shaped them and the circumstances that brought them to this time and place.


My review:

 I have read several books by Lynn Austin, and they all had one thing in common: they were Biblical fiction. She did a masterful job on the two Biblical fiction series that I read by her. I had never read her other books, as they were pretty much women's fiction. When this book came up for review, I decided I'd check out her other fiction.

 Where We Belong is historical fiction, and I discovered that Lynn Austin writes as good of historical fiction as Biblical.......even if it is geared towards women. Granted, the book did have some elements of suspense and mystery, which are my favorite genre's.

 Austin came up with a great plot, setting, and time period for this novel. To be honest, I had a little difficulty getting into it at first, but after a few chapters I was able to get caught up in the story. Among other aspects of the book, I enjoyed the dialogue between the sisters and also between they and their companions on their journey.

 In her Biblical novels, I felt Austin did a lot of research for her books to be historically and also  accurately  according to the Bible. In We Belong, that research comes through also. I don't know a lot about the time period and setting of the novel, but Austin did a great job of portraying everything in a historically accurate way.

 I did enjoy the book, and most likely will try some of her other novels that are not Biblical ones.

 This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.

Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.

Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

 Check out her website at LynnAustin.org.

The Christian Standard Apologetics Study Bible

Bible description:

The CSB Apologetics Study Bible helps today’s Christians better understand, defend, and proclaim their beliefs in an age of increasing moral and spiritual relativism. This revised and updated edition includes new articles and extensive apologetics study material from today’s leading apologists to reflect and provide deeper understanding of the relevant apologetics issues and questions being discussed today.

Features Include:
• 90 leading apologists contributed commentary and articles on apologetics including:
Ted Cabal, Lee Strobel, Chuck Colson, Paul Copan, Norm Geisler,
Hank Hanegraaff, Josh McDowell, Albert Mohler, J.P. Moreland,
Ravi Zacharias, and many more.
• 134 Articles on key apologetic issues–including a lead article by Lee Strobel (The Case for Christ).
• 66 Exclusive introductions from contributors
• 48 “Twisted Scripture” explanations for commonly misunderstood passages
• 12 Profiles of Christian apologists including Thomas Aquinas, Origen, C.S. Lewis and more
• 13 Timelines and Maps include unique offerings such as a Timeline of Apologists and Notable Works, Comparison of World Religion, Naturalism vs. Theism and more
• Apologetics Study Notes
• Annotated Bibliography
• Presentation page
• Book Introductions
• Two-color interior
• Two-column text
• Smyth-sewn binding
• Ribbon marker
• Full-color maps
• 9.75-point type size

The CSB Apologetics Study Bible features the highly reliable, highly readable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB), which stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity. The CSB’s optimal blend of accuracy and readability makes Scripture more moving, more memorable, and more motivating to read and share with others.

My review:

The translation:

  I am not one of those people who stick by one Bible translation/version, but I prefer to read from multiple ones. I have a copy of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, and the Christian Standard Bible is an updated version of that Bible. I always liked the HCSB, and was curious to see what the Christian Standard Bible would be like. I compared some popular passages and there are some differences, which just makes it easier to read and understand in my opinion. I have used the Bible for a few weeks, and have come to enjoy this newer translation.

The Bible:

   Apologetics is of interest to me, which is another reason I requested this Bible to review. I won't go over everything the Bible has, as it is listed in the description, but I will say I was impressed with all of the information given in this Bible that has to do with Aplogetics. Some of the big names in Christian apologetics are represented here, and the information from them is of great interest and I have found very helpful.

 I am someone who likes notes at the bottom of passages of Scripture, and feel these are also very well done and helpful in this Bible.

 I didn't have time to read the whole Bible or compare it completely to the Holman Christian Standard Bible, but I like what I have read and checked out so far, and recommend the translation and also the Apologetics part of it.

 This Bible was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

Blind Spot, Chesapeake Valor #3 by Dani Pettrey

Book description:

FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life--but isn't sure exactly what he's chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that "the wrath is coming," Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She's sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there's anyone who can help him, it's Tanner.

Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can't deny, and she's pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell--and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming "wrath" that could cost thousands their lives.


My review:

   Dani Pettrey has had me hooked as a reader since I read her first book in the Alaskan Courage series. I have come to equate her with top notch Christian suspense, and she has yet to disappoint me.

 In her first series, each book centered on a different person from the same family. This series focuses on a different man in a circle of friends who are all in some area of law enforcement. Throughout the first two books, there was a lot of talk about the fourth friend who had been missing for seven years, and there were hints this man, Luke, was still alive. Blind Spot removes all doubt about that, and clearly lets the reader know the fourth book will be about Luke.

 Blind Spot is one of those books I started reading on my lunch break at work, and found very difficult to put down to go back to work. The plot and action pulled me in from the start of the book, and didn't let go until I got to the last page.....which came all too fast. It focuses in part on human trafficking, and shows how terrible that crime is, and also on a possible terrorist attack.

 As with all of Dani's books, there was a romantic part, which even this confirmed bachelor enjoyed and cheered on....though I enjoyed the suspense more. Blind Spot is one of the best books I have read this year, and I am looking forward to reading the final book in the series, which is not going to come soon enough.

 I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

Praised by New York Times bestselling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey's novels have sold more than 300,000 copies. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance novel. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]," (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).

Dani's adventure-focused Alaskan Courage series climbed the CBA bestseller lists, with Submerged staying in the top twenty for five consecutive months. The five-book series also won multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, and Christian Retailing's Best Award, among others. She turns her attention to crime and law enforcement in her home state of Maryland in her new Chesapeake Valor series, starting with Cold Shot, which Library Journal called, "a harrowing and thrilling ride." For more information about her novels, visit danipettrey.com.

 Blind Spot and the other books in the Chesapeake Valor Series is available from Bethany House Publishing, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

Check out the whole series thus far:

Deadly Proof, Atlanta Justice #1 by Rachel Dylan

Book description:

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower's allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer. 

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he's intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything--even murder--to keep the case from going to trial.

My review:

  I enjoy legal thrillers, and there have been a few authors on the Christian market who have written some great ones. I also enjoy trying new authors, so this was a no brainier to request this legal thriller to a new (to me) author. My first thoughts upon finishing this book were "wow!" and "This lady is really good." I started researching her and was surprised to discover that she is not a new author, and has several published books under her belt.

 The legal thrillers I have read have been mostly by men, but Dylan shows she can hold her own in among these guys with this novel. It has everything a reader would want in a legal thriller: Great plot, great and likable characters, suspense, drama, romance, and legal "stuff" that is in easy to understand jargon.

 Deadly Proof has great Christian themes throughout it, and especially of trusting God, and forgiveness. The book is an exciting read that kept me on the edge of my seat, and groaning when I had to put the book aside to do other things that needed done. The book had an excellent ending that left me wanting more, and also left me wanting to read more by this author. This is a truly awesome read that I was sorry to see end.

About the author:

Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Rachel has practiced law for almost a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids--two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.


Deadly Proof is available from Bethany House Publishers, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

Everywhere You Go There's a Zacchaeus Up a Tree by Roger Campbell

Book description:

The wholesome, winsome wit and wisdom of columnist Roger Campbell

Every week for nearly forty years, Roger Campbell took up his pen to craft a newspaper column that would make a difference in the lives of his readers. His tales of fishing, family, friends, and fun helped them to trade their fears for faith, their sorrows for songs, and their doubts for certainties.

Everywhere You Go There's a Zacchaeus Up a Tree is an anthology edited by his son, drawn from these weekly columns. Based on Roger's experiences in the world at large, the pastorate, his community, and his family, these brief but wise essays are enriching, instructive, and gently challenging. Roger's habit of humbly talking with people from all walks of life wherever he went provided ample opportunity to impact generations of folks. His warm words still bear witness to the truth that God meets us where we are and uses us when we are willing.

Always starting with a Scripture reference, these short entries can be read as a daily or weekly devotion.

For those longing for a simpler time and the flavor of small-town life, Everywhere You Go There's a Zacchaeus Up a Tree shares a deep, abiding, homespun faith that knows, as Campbell wrote, that "God loves you no matter which way the wind blows."

My review:

  I was not familiar with Roger Campbell or his writings, but thought this sounded like an interesting book to review.... and I found that to be the case.

 It is a different kind of book that I normally read, but I found it an interesting, encouraging, and inspiring read. And it is the kind of book that you can read a section or two in a few minutes and go back to it later.

 The book covers a lot of topics, and the author has a unique and interesting way of writing that is easy to follow and easy to keep up with.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the author:

Roger Campbell (1930-2015) was in the ministry for over fifty years. He spent many years as a pastor, and in the late 1970's he launched Roger Campbell Ministries, an evangelical ministry through which he produced radio broadcasts, wrote weekly newspaper columns, and spoke at church Bible conferences. He is the author of nearly 30 books, including the acclaimed Preach for a Year series.

Everywhere You Go There's a Zacchaeus Up a Tree is available from Kregel Publishing.

Thanks to Kregel for the review copy.

The Teen's Guide to Social Media and Mobile Devices by Jonathan McKee

Book description:

Ever regret something you’ve posted?
Honestly? How smart are you being when it comes to streaming, messaging, gaming, commenting. . .?

 The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices will help you navigate the digital world with 21 refreshingly honest and humorous tips that will not only inform, but that also just might change the way you think about your social media interaction.

     21 real-life tips including. . .
Know the app before you snap.
Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want Grandma, your boss, and Jesus seeing! (Jesus is on Insta, you know!)
Peek at your privacy settings. . .so you know who’s peeking at you.
Take more “selflessies.”
Press pause before you post.

. . .and many more will provide just the information you need to post wisely in an insecure world.

My review:

 This book was written for teens, but I believe you could drop "teens" from the title, as it would be a good book for adults too.....though some of the tips are definitely more for teens.

 The book is well written in a style that should hold a teenager's attention, especially with it being divided up into tips. McKee addresses online safety, how to deal with cruelty, being careful about pictures, and even things like not being so involved in your phone that you get hurt or killed because you were not paying attention.

 Social media is great, and the internet is a great and wonderful tool. However, it has its bad points and a dark side. Hopefully parents talk to their kids about these issues, but this book is a great tool to help discuss the dangers. I found it an interesting read, and the tips are right on and helpful. Definitely recommended.

 I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

 About the author:

Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new IF I HAD A PARENTING DO OVER; 52 WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE OBSESSED KID; and the Amazon "Best Seller," THE GUY'S GUIDE TO GOD, GIRLS AND THE PHONE IN YOUR POCKET. With over 20 years youth ministry experience, Jonathan speaks to parents and leaders worldwide. You can follow Jonathan on his blog at JonathanMcKeeWrites.com, getting a regular dose of youth culture and parenting help. Jonathan, his wife, Lori, and their three kids live in California.



The Teen's Guide to Social Media and Mobile Devices is available from Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Books.

Thanks to Barbour for the review copy.

Ta'Mara Hanscom's 'The Pretender' Giveaway

Set in South Dakota in 1975, where eighteen-year-olds could order 3.2 beer in a bar, and loaded guns were kept under the counter.

Frankie Valli sang "My Eyes Adored You," and American soldiers returning from Vietnam struggled with their new reality.

It's within this tumultuous season of American history that Tillie Caselli meets Noah Hansen, and they are never the same again. Their lives were mysteriously intertwined-and had been for many years-yet they had no idea. 


From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart---and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride's deception.





Despite just meeting each other, Tillie and Noah's lives have been mysteriously intertwined for many years in Ta'Mara Hanscom's The Pretender. From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart-and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride's deception.

Join Ta'Mara in celebrating the release of the second printing and new covers by entering to win her $75 prize basket giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Pretender
• A $75 Amazon gift card
• A decorative box containing measuring cups, ten recipes from the book, a potholder, a kitchen towel, pepper and salt grinders, kitchen utensils, and an olive oil dispenser

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 11. The winner will be announced October 12 on the Litfuse blog.

Jeremy Camp The Answer CD review and giveaway

CD description:

Over the course of 10 years and a dozen albums, Camp has helped listeners think through life's important questions. Now he's ready to help you discover "The Answer." Features the radio single "Word of Life"; along with "My Defender"; "Storm"; "My Father's Arms"; "Never Stopped Loving"; "Tell the Whole World"; "Heaven's Shore"; "Carriers"; "Love So Great"; and "Awake, O Sleeper."

Complete track listing:
1. Word Of Life
2. My Defender
3. The Answer
4. Storm
5. My Father's Arms
6. Never Stopped Loving
7. Tell The Whole World
8. Heaven's Shore
9. Carriers
10. Love So Great
11. Awake O Sleeper

My review:
 I don't listen to a lot of Christian Contemporary music, Southern Gospel being my favorite genre'. Jeremy Camp is one CCM artist I like and listen to. I haven't had this CD very long, but have been listening to it since I got it, and I like it. It has some great strong songs on it, and shows why Jeremy Camp has remained a top selling Christian artist during the 10 years he has been singing.

 Personal favorites:
Word of Life
The Answer
Love So Great

 Some artists' songs tend to sound alike, but I feel these songs are different from those he has recorded before. Camp has made another great CD, and it is worth listening to.

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions for the review and giveaway copies.

Giveaway:

Simply comment on this review to be entered to win a copy of The Answer CD by Jeremy Camp. 10 days from today on October 15, I will pick a winner using Random.org

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.


Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.


Buy the CD here.

Social Corner:

Word Of Life Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrX2tGgADu0

Word Of Life Song Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGuxZC7Ncn4

The Answer Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQHXJi1EhDM